Compositions and therapeutic methods involving isoflavones and analogues thereof

ABSTRACT

Isoflavone compounds and analogues thereof, compositions containing same and therapeutic methods of treatment involving same are described.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/704,385, filed Nov. 7, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/070,361, filed Jul. 8, 2002, now abandoned; which entered the U.S. National Stage under 35 U.S.C. § 371 based on PCT/AU00/01056, filed Sep. 6, 2000; which claims the benefit of Australian Application No. PQ 2661, filed Sep. 6, 1999, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This invention relates to compounds, formulations, drinks, foodstuffs, methods and therapeutic uses involving, containing, comprising, including and/or for preparing certain isoflavone compounds and analogues thereof.

According to an aspect of this invention there is provided isoflavone compounds and analogues thereof of the general formula I:

in which

-   R₁ and R₂ are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀,     OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, CONR₃R₄, alkyl, haloalkyl,     aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,     nitro or halo, -   Z is hydrogen, and -   W is R₁, A is hydrogen, hydroxy, NR₃R₄ or thio, and B is selected     from -   W is R₁, and A and B taken together with the carbon atoms to which     they are attached form a six-membered ring selected from -   W, A and B taken together with the groups to which they are     associated comprise -   W and A taken together with the groups to which they are associated     comprise -   and B is     wherein -   R₃ is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, an amino acid, C(O)R₁₁ where     R₁₁ is hydrogen alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or an amino acid, or CO₂R₁₂     where R₁₂ is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl or arylalkyl, -   R₄ is hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, -   or R₃ and R₄ taken together with the nitrogen to which they are     attached comprise pyrrolidinyl or piperidinyl, -   R₅ is hydrogen, C(O)R₁₁ where R₁₁ is as previously defined, or     CO₂R₁₂ where R₁₂ is as previously defined, -   R₆ is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl, aryl, amino, thio, NR₃R₄, COR₁₁     where R₁₁ is as previously defined, CO₂R₁₂ where R₁₂ is as     previously defined or CONR₃R₄, -   R₇ is hydrogen, C(O)R₁₁ where R₁₁ is as previously defined, alkyl,     haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or Si(R₁₃)₃ where each R₁₃ is     independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, -   R₈ is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy or alkyl, -   R₉ is alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, C(O)R₁₁ where R₁₁ is as     previously defined, or Si(R₁₃)₃ where R₁₃ is as previously defined, -   R₁₀ is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, an amino     acid, alkylamino or dialkylamino, -   the drawing     represents either a single bond or a double bond, -   X is O, NR₄ or S, and -   Y is     wherein -   R₁₄, R₁₅ and R₁₆ are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀,     OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, CONR₃R₄, alkyl, haloalkyl,     aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,     nitro or halo,     with the proviso that     when -   R₁ is hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid,     and -   R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or     C(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is as previously defined, and -   W is hydrogen, then -   Y is not 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl;     when -   R₁ is hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid,     and -   R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or     C(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is as previously defined, and -   Y is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl, then -   W is not hydrogen;     when -   R₁ is hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid,     and -   Y is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl, and -   W is hydrogen, then -   R₂ is not hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or     C(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is as previously defined; and     when -   R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or     C(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is as previously defined, and -   Y is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl, and -   W is hydrogen, then -   R₁ is not hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino     acid.

According to another aspect of this invention there is provided isoflavone compounds and analogues thereof of the general formula II:

in which

-   R₁ and R₂ are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀,     OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, CONR₃R₄, alkyl, haloalkyl,     aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,     nitro or halo, -   Z_(A) is OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀, OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀,     CONR₃R₄, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino,     alkyl amino, dialkyl amino, nitro or halo, and -   W is R₁, A is hydrogen, hydroxy, NR₃R₄ or thio, and B is selected     from -   W is R₁, and A and B taken together with the carbon atoms to which     they are attached form a six-membered ring selected from -   W, A and B taken together with the groups to which they are     associated comprise -   W and A taken together with the groups to which they are associated     comprise -   and B is     wherein -   R₃ is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, an amino acid, C(O)R₁₁ where     R₁₁ is hydrogen alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or an amino acid, or CO₂R₁₂     where R₁₂ is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl or arylalkyl, -   R₄ is hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, -   or R₃ and R₄ taken together with the nitrogen which they are     attached are pyrrolidinyl or piperidinyl, -   R₅ is hydrogen, C(O)R₁₁ where R₁₁ is as previously defined, or     CO₂R₁₂ where R₁₂ is as previously defined, -   R₆ is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl, aryl, amino, thio, NR₃R₄, COR₁₁     where R₁₁ is as previously defined, CO₂R₁₂ where R₁₂ is as     previously defined or CONR₃R₄, -   R₇ is hydrogen, C(O)R₁₁ where R₁₁ is as previously defined, alkyl,     haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or Si(R₁₃)₃ where each R₁₃ is     independently hydrogen, alkyl or aryl, -   R₈ is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy or alkyl, -   R₉ is alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, C(O)R₁₁ where R₁₁ is as     previously defined, or Si(R₁₃)₃ where R₁₃ is as previously defined, -   R₁₀ is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, amino, aryl, arylalkyl, an amino     acid, alkylamino or dialkylamino, -   the drawing     represents either a single bond or a double bond, -   X is O, NR₄ or S, and -   Y is     wherein -   R₁₄, R₁₅ and R₁₆ are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀,     OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, CONR₃R₄, alkyl, haloalkyl,     aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino,     nitro or halo.

It has surprisingly been found by the inventors that compounds of the general formulae I and II:

in which R₁, R₂, W, A, B, Z and Z_(A) are as defined above have particular utility and effectiveness in the treatment, prophylaxis, amelioration defence against, and/or prevention of menopausal syndrome including hot flushes, anxiety, depression, mood swings, night sweats, headaches, and urinary incontinence; osteoporosis; premenstrual syndrome, including fluid retention, cyclical mastalgia, and dysmenorrhoea; Reynaud's Syndrome; Reynaud's Phenomenon; Buergers Disease; coronary artery spasm; migraine headaches; hypertension; benign prostatic hypertrophy; all forms of cancer including breast cancer; uterine cancer; ovarian cancer; testicular cancer; large bowel cancer; endometrial cancer; prostatic cancer; uterine cancer; atherosclerosis; Alzheimers disease; inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease; rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis; acne; baldness including male pattern baldness (alopecia hereditaria); psoriasis; diseases associated with oxidant stress including cancer; myocardial infarction; stroke; arthritis; sunlight induced skin damage or cataracts.

Thus according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the treatment, prophylaxis, amelioration, defence against, and/or prevention of menopausal syndrome including hot flushes, anxiety, depression, mood swings, night sweats, headaches, and urinary incontinence; osteoporosis; premenstrual syndrome, including fluid retention, cyclical mastalgia, and dysmenorrhoea; Reynaud's Syndrome; Reynaud's Phenomenon; Buergers Disease; coronary artery spasm; migraine headaches; hypertension; benign prostatic hypertrophy; all forms of cancer including breast cancer; uterine cancer; ovarian cancer; testicular cancer; large bowel cancer; endometrial cancer; prostatic cancer; uterine cancer; artherosclerosis; Alzheimers disease; inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease; rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis; acne; baldness including male pattern baldness (alopecia hereditaria); psoriasis; diseases associated with oxidant stress including cancer; myocardial infarction; stroke; arthritis; sunlight induced skin damage or cataracts (for convenience hereafter referred to as the “therapeutic indications”) which comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of one or more compounds of formulae I and II as defined above.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is the use of compounds of formulae I and II for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment, amelioration, defence against, prophylaxis and/or prevention of one or more of the therapeutic indications.

Still another aspect of the present invention is the use of one or more compounds of formulae I and II in the treatment, amelioration, defence against, prophylaxis and/or prevention of one or more of the therapeutic indications.

And another aspect of the present invention comprises an agent for the treatment, prophylaxis, amelioration, defence against and/or treatment of the therapeutic indications which comprises one or more compounds of formulae I and II either alone or in association with one or more carriers or excipients.

A further aspect of the invention is a therapeutic composition which comprises one or more compounds of formulae I and II in association with one or more pharmaceutical carriers and/or excipients.

A still further aspect of the present invention is a drink or food-stuff, which contains one or more compounds of formulae I and II.

Another aspect of the present invention is a microbial culture or a food-stuff containing one or more microbial strains which microorganisms produce one or more compounds of formulae I and II.

Still another aspect of the present invention relates to one or more microorganisms which produce one or more compounds of formulae I and II. Preferably the microorganism is a purified culture, which may be admixed and/or administered with one or more other cultures which product compounds of formulae I and II.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the text requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The term “alkyl” is taken to mean both straight chain and branched chain alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, secbutyl, tertiary butyl, and the like. The alkyl group has 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably methyl, ethyl propyl or isopropyl. The alkyl group may optionally be substituted by one or more of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, carboxyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylamino-carbonyl, di-(C₁-C₄-alkyl)-amino-carbonyl, hydroxyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, formyloxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl-carbonyloxy, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₃-C₆-cycloalkyl or phenyl.

The term “aryl” is taken to include phenyl and naphthyl and may be optionally substituted by one or more C₁-C₄-alkyl, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, carbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkoxycarbonyl, C₁-C₄-alkylcarbonyloxy or halo.

The term “halo” is taken to include fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, preferably fluoro and chloro, more preferably fluoro. Reference to for example “haloalkyl” will include monohalogenated, dihalogenated and up to perhalogenated alkyl groups. Preferred haloalkyl groups are trifluoromethyl and pentafluoroethyl.

Particularly preferred compounds of the present invention are selected from:

Compounds of the present invention have particular application in the treatment of diseases associated with or resulting from estrogenic effects, androgenic effects, vasodilatory and spasmodic effects, inflammatory effects and oxidative effects.

The amount of one or more compounds of formulae I and II which is required in a therapeutic treatment according to the invention will depend upon a number of factors, which include the specific application, the nature of the particular compound used, the condition being treated, the mode of administration and the condition of the patient. Compounds of formulae I or II may be administered in a manner and amount as is conventionally practised. See, for example, Goodman and Gilman, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 1299 (7th Edition, 1985). The specific dosage utilised will depend upon the condition being treated, the state of the subject, the route of administration and other well known factors as indicated above. In general, a daily dose per patient may be in the range of 0.1 mg to 2 g; typically from 0.5 mg to 1 g; preferably from 50 mg to 200 mg.

The production of pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of the therapeutic indications herein described are typically prepared by admixture of the compounds of the invention (for convenience hereafter referred to as the “active compounds”) with one or more pharmaceutically or veterinarially acceptable carriers and/or excipients as are well known in the art.

The carrier must, of course, be acceptable in the sense of being compatible with any other ingredients in the formulation and must not be deleterious to the subject. The carrier or excipient may be a solid or a liquid, or both, and is preferably formulated with the compound as a unit-dose, for example, a tablet, which may contain from 0.5% to 59% by weight of the active compound, or up to 100% by weight of the active compound. One or more active compounds may be incorporated in the formulations of the invention, which may be prepared by any of the well known techniques of pharmacy consisting essentially of admixing the components, optionally including one or more accessory ingredients.

The formulations of the invention include those suitable for oral, rectal, optical, buccal (for example, sublingual), parenteral (for example, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, or intravenous) and transdermal administration, although the most suitable route in any given case will depend on the nature and severity of the condition being treated and on the nature of the particular active compound which is being used.

Formulation suitable for oral administration may be presented in discrete units, such as capsules, sachets, lozenges, or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active compound; as a powder or granules; as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion. Such formulations may be prepared by any suitable method of pharmacy which includes the step of bringing into association the active compound and a suitable carrier (which may contain one or more accessory ingredients as noted above). In general, the formulations of the invention are prepared by uniformly and intimately admixing the active compound with a liquid or finely divided solid carrier, or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the resulting mixture such as to form a unit dosage. For example, a tablet may be prepared by compressing or moulding a powder or granules containing the active compound, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing, in a suitable machine, the compound of the free-flowing, such as a powder or granules optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, and/or surface active/dispersing agent(s). Moulded tablets may be made by moulding, in a suitable machine, the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid binder.

Formulations suitable for buccal (sublingual) administration include lozenges comprising the active compound in a flavoured base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; and pastilles comprising the compound in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia.

Compositions of the present invention suitable for parenteral administration conveniently comprise sterile aqueous preparations of the active compounds, which preparations are preferably isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient. These preparations are preferably administered intravenously, although administration may also be effected by means of subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intradermal injection. Such preparations may conveniently be prepared by admixing the compound with water or a glycine buffer and rendering the resulting solution sterile and isotonic with the blood. Injectable formulations according to the invention generally contain from 0.1% to 60% w/v of active compound and are administered at a rate of 0.1 ml/minute/kg.

Formulations suitable for rectal administration are preferably presented as unit dose suppositories. These may be prepared by admixing the active compound with one or more conventional solid carriers, for example, cocoa butter, and then shaping the resulting mixture.

Formulations or compositions suitable for topical administration to the skin preferably take the form of an ointment, cream, lotion, paste, gel, spray, aerosol, or oil. Carriers which may be used include Vaseline, lanoline, polyethylene glycols, alcohols, and combination of two or more thereof. The active compound is generally present at a concentration of from 0.1% to 0.5% w/w, for example, from 0.5% to 2% w/w. Examples of such compositions include cosmetic skin creams.

Formulations suitable for transdermal administration may be presented as discrete patches adapted to remain in intimate contact with the epidermis of the recipient for a prolonged period of time. Such patches suitably contain the active compound as an optionally buffered aqueous solution of, for example, 0.1 M to 0.2 M concentration with respect to the said active compound.

Formulations suitable for transdermal administration may also be delivered by iontophoresis (see, for example, Pharmaceutical Research 3 (6), 318 (1986)) and typically take the form of an optionally buffered aqueous solution of the active compound. Suitable formulations comprise citrate or bis/tris buffer (pH 6) or ethanol/water and contain from 0.1 M to 0.2 M active ingredient.

The active compounds may be provided in the form of food stuffs, such as being added to, admixed into, coated, combined or otherwise added to a food stuff. The term food stuff is used in its widest possible sense and includes liquid formulations such as drinks including dairy products and other foods, such as health bars, desserts, etc. Food formulations containing compounds of the invention can be readily prepared according to standard practices.

Compounds of the present invention have potent antioxidant activity and thus find wide application in pharmaceutical and veterinary uses, in cosmetics such as skin creams to prevent skin ageing, in sun screens, in foods, health drinks, shampoos, and the like.

It has surprisingly been found that compounds of the formulae I or II interact synergistically with vitamin E to protect lipids, proteins and other biological molecules from oxidation.

Accordingly a further aspect of this invention provides a composition comprising one or more compounds of formulae I or II, vitamin E, and optionally a pharmaceutically, veterinarially or cosmetically acceptable carriers and/or excipients.

Therapeutic methods, uses and compositions may be for administration to humans or animals, such as companion and domestic animals (such as dogs and cats), birds (such as chickens, turkeys, ducks), livestock animals (such as cattle, sheep, pigs and goats) and the like.

Compounds of formulae I and II may be prepared by standard methods known to those skilled in the art. Suitable methods may be found in, for example, International Patent Application WO 98/08503 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Methods which may be employed by those skilled in the art of chemical synthesis for constructing the general ring structures depicted in formulae I and II are depicted in schemes 1-8 below. Chemical functional group protection, deprotection, synthons and other techniques known to those skilled in the art may be used where appropriate in the synthesis of the compounds of the present invention. In the formulae depicted in the schemes below the moities R₁, R₂, R₆, R₈, R₁₄, R₁₅, R₁₆, W and X are as defined above. The moiety T is either Z or Z_(A) as defined in formulae I or II above. Reduction of the isoflavone derivatives may be effected by procedures well known to those skilled in the art including sodium borohydride reduction, and hydration over metal catalysts such as Pd/C, Pd/CaCO₃ and Platinum(IV)oxide (Adam's catalyst) in protic or aprotic solvents. The end products and isomeric ratios can be varied depending on the catalyst/solvent system chosen. The schemes depicted below are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the invention described herein.

EXAMPLE 1 General Syntheses of Substituted Isoflavones

6-Chloro-4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavone was synthesised by the condensation of 4-chlororesorcinol with 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid to afford 5-chloro-2,4,4′-trihydroxydeoxybenzoin. Cyclisation of the intermediate deoxybenzoin was achieved by treatment with dimethylformamide and methanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of boron triflouride etherate.

By varying the substitution pattern on the resorcinol or phenylacetic acid groups numerous other substituted isoflavones can also be synthesised in a similar manner. For example starting with 5-methyl resorcinol affords 4′,7-dihydroxy-5-methylisoflavone, whilst use of 3-hydroxy phenyl acetic acid in the general synthetic method affords 3′-hydroxy isoflavone derivatives.

Isoflavan-4-ones

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of 6-Chloro-4′,7-diacetoxyisoflavone

A mixture of 6-chloro-4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavone (1.25 g, 4.3 mmol), acetic anhydride (7.5 ml) and pyridine (1.4 ml) was heated in an oil bath at 105-110° C. for 1 h. After cooling the mixture to room temperature, it was stirred for a further 30 min during which time the diacetate crystallised from the solution. The product was filtered, washed thoroughly with aqueous methanol (50%) and dried to yield 6-chloro-4′,7-diacetoxyisoflavone (1.2 g, 75%) as colourless prisms. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 2.32 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.41 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 7.16 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz, ArH), 7.36 (s, 1H, H8), 7.57 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz, ArH), 8.00 (s, 1H, H5), 8.37 (s, 1H, H2).

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of 6-Chloro-4′,7-diacetoxyisoflavan-4-one

Adam's catalyst (0.045 g) was added to a solution of 6-chloro-4′,7-diacetoxyisoflavone (0.25 g, 0.7 mmol) in ethyl acetate (30 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature under a hydrogen atmosphere for 24 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite and the resulting filtrate was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallised from ethanol to yield 6-chloro-4′,7-diacetoxyisoflavan-4-one (0.15 g, 60%) as colourless plates. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 2.29 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.37 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 3.98 (dd, 1H, J 6.0 Hz, 7.5 Hz, H3), 4.68 (m, 2H, H2), 6.87 (s, 1H, H8), 7.07 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz, ArH), 7.27 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz, ArH), 8.01 (s, 1H, H5).

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of 6-Chloro-4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavan-4-one

Imidazole (0.60 g) was added to a suspension of 6-chloro-4′,7-diacetoxyisoflavan-4-one (0.24 g, 0.06 mmol) in absolute ethanol (5.0 ml) and the mixture was refluxed for 45 min under argon. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and distilled water (10 ml) was added to the residue. The mixture was left overnight in the fridge and the resulting precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried to yield 6-chloro-4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavan-4-one (0.14 g, 75%) as a white powder. ¹H NMR (d₆-acetone): δ 3.87 (t, 1H, J 7.2 Hz, H3), 4.64 (d, 2H, J 6.2 Hz, H2), 6.59 (s, 1H, H8), 6.78 (d, 2H, J 8.7 Hz, ArH), 7.10 (d, 2H, J 8.7 Hz, ArH), 7.70 (bs, 1H, OH), 7.77 (s, 1H, H5).

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of 4′,7-Diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavone

A mixture of 4′,7-dihydroxy-5-methylisoflavone (1.51 g, 5.6 mmol), acetic anhydride (9 ml) and pyridine (1.7 ml) was heated in an oil bath at 105-110° C. for 1 h. After cooling the mixture to room temperature, it was stirred for a further 30 min during which time the diacetate crystallised from the solution. The product was filtered, washed thoroughly with water and recrystallised from methanol to yield 4′,7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavone as colourless prisms (1.8 g, 91%). m.p. 195-97° C., ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 2.32 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.35 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.87 (s, 3H, Me), 6.92 (bs, 1H, H8), 7.12 (bs, 1H, H5), 7.16 (d, 2H, J 8.7 Hz, ArH), 7.55 (d, 2H, J 8.7 Hz, ArH), 7.89 (s, 1H, H2).

EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of 4′,7-Diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-one

Palladium on barium sulfate (5%, 0.06 g) was added to a solution of 4′,7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavone (0.30 g, 0.8 mmol) in ethyl acetate (50 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature under a hydrogen atmosphere for 24 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite and the resulting filtrate was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallised from ethanol to yield 4′,7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-one (0.20 g, 67%) as colourless plates. m.p. 143-45° C., ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 2.29 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.30 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.62 (s, 3H, Me), 3.95 (t, 1H, J 7.2 Hz, H3), 4.62 (d, 2H, J 6.8 Hz, H2), 6.59 (d, 1H, J 2.2 Hz, H8), 6.66 (d, 1H, J 2.2 Hz, H5), 7.07 (d, 2H, J 8.3 Hz, ArH), 7.28 (d, 2H, J 8.3 Hz, ArH).

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of 4′,7-Dihydroxy-5-methylisoflavanone

Imidazole (0.63 g) was added to a suspension of 4′,7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-one (0.50 g, 1.4 mmol) in absolute ethanol (20.0 ml) and the mixture was refluxed for 45 min under argon. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure and distilled water (10 ml) was added to the residue. The mixture was left overnight in the fridge and the resulting precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried to yield 4′,7-dihydroxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-one (0.25 g, 66%) as a white powder. ¹H NMR (d₆-acetone): δ 2.51 (s, 3H, Me), 3.76 (t, 1H, J 5.7 Hz, H3), 4.57 (d, 2H, J 7.1 Hz, H2), 6.26 (d, 1H, J 2.2 Hz, H8), 6.35 (d, 1H, J 2.2 Hz, H5), 6.78 (d, 2H, J 8.7 Hz, ArH), 7.11 (d, 2H, J 8.7 Hz, ArH).

Isolflavan-4-ols and Isoflav-3-enes

EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of 4′-7-Diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-ol

4′-7-Diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-ol was prepared by the reduction of 4′-7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavone (0.25 g) with Adam's catalyst in ethyl acetate (30 ml) under a hydrogen atmosphere for 72 hours. The solution was filtered through a pad of Celite to yield predominantly cis-4′-7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-ol. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 2.26 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.30 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.62 (s, 3H, Me), 3.24 (dt, 1H, J 3.4 Hz, J 11.8 Hz, H3), 4.31 (ddd, 1H, J 1.4 Hz, 3.6 Hz, 10.5 Hz, H2); 4.57 (dd, 1H, J 10.5 Hz, 11.8 Hz, H2), 4.82 (bs, 1H, H4), 6.51 (d, 1H, J 2.1 Hz, H8), 6.59 (d, 1H, J 2.1 Hz, H6), 7.06 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz, ArH), 7.29 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz ArH).

EXAMPLE 9 Synthesis of 4′,7-Diacetoxy-5-methylisoflav-3-ene

4′,7-Diacetoxy-5-methylisoflav-3-ene was prepared by the dehydration of cis- and trans-4′-7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflavan-4-ol (0.2 g) with phosphorus pentoxide (2.0 g) in dry dichloromethane (20 ml). The crude product was chromatographed on silica column using dichloromethane as the eluent. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 2.28 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.31 (s, 3H, OCOCH₃), 2.36 (s, 3H, Me), 5.08 (s, 2H, H2), 6.49 (d, 1H, J 2.0 Hz, H8), 6.52 (d, 1H, J 2.2 Hz, H5), 6.89 (s, 1H, H4), 7.14 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz, ArH), 7.44 (d, 2H, J 8.6 Hz, ArH).

EXAMPLE 10 Synthesis of 4′,7-Dihydroxy-5-methylisoflav-3-ene

4′,7-Dihydroxy-5-methylisoflav-3-ene was prepared from 4′,7-diacetoxy-5-methylisoflav-3-ene by the removal of the acetoxy groups by hydrolysis under standard conditions.

EXAMPLE 11 Synthesis of 3′,5,7-Trihydroxyisoflavylium chloride

Phosphoryl chloride (1.75 ml) was added to a mixture of the monoaldehyde (0.95 g) and phloroglucinol dihydrate (1.6 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at 30° C. for 20 minutes and then at room temperature for 3 hours. The orange precipitate was filtered and washed with acetic acid to yield the isoflavylium salt.

EXAMPLE 12 Synthesis of Isoflav-3-ene-3′,5,7-triol

Isoflav-3-ene-3′,5,7-triol was prepared by the reduction of 3′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavylium chloride (0.5 g) with sodium cyanoborohydride (0.33 g) in ethyl acetate (11 ml) and acetic acid (3 ml) and chromatographic separation of the resulting mixture of isoflav-3-ene and isoflav-2-ene mixture. ¹H NMR (d₆-acetone): δ 4.99 (s, 2H, H2), 5.92 (d, 1H, J 2.0 Hz, ArH), 6.04 (d, 1H, J 2.2 Hz, ArH), 6.78-7.18 (m, 5H, ArH).

Isoflavans

EXAMPLE 13 Synthesis of Isoflavan-5,7-diol

Isoflavan-5,7-diol was prepared by the reduction of a suspension of 5,7-dihydroxyisoflavylium chloride (0.5 g) with Palladium-on-charcoal (5%, 0.1 g) in acetic acid (15 ml) containing ethyl acetate (2.5 ml) under a hydrogen atmosphere. The crude product was recrystallised from 1,2-dichloromethane to give the isoflavan as colourless needles, m.p. 76-78° C. (lit m.p. 77-79° C.).

EXAMPLE 14 Synthesis of 4′,5,7-Triacetoxyisoflavan

4′,5,7-Triacetoxyisoflavan was prepared by the reduction of a suspension of 4′,5,7-trihydroxyisoflavylium chloride (0.31 g) with platinum oxide (0.04 g) in a mixture of acetic anhydride (2.0 ml) and ethyl acetate (10 ml) under a hydrogen atmosphere. After the removal of catalyst the crude product was refluxed with pyridine (0.5 ml) and the resulting triacetate was isolated by evaporation of the solvent and crystallisation of the residue. M.p. 126-28° C.

EXAMPLE 15 Synthesis of Isoflavan-4′,5,7-triol

Isoflavan-4′,5,7-triol was prepared from 4′,5,7-triacetoxyisoflavan by the removal of the acetyl groups by hydrolysis. M.p. 206-8° C.

EXAMPLE 16

The binding affinity of various compounds of the invention for both subtypes of the estrogen receptor was determined with the “Estrogen Receptor Alpha or Beta Competitor Assay Core HTS Kit” supplied by Panvera Corporation (Product No. P2614/2615). 6-Chloro-4′,7-dihydroxyisoflavan-4-one showed good competitive binding to the estrogen receptor with the following results:

ER alpha receptor=37.82 uM

ER beta receptor=32.14 uM

The results show that the compounds of the present invention have particular application in the treatment of diseases associated with or resulting from estrogenic effects, androgenic effects, vasodilatory and spasmodic effects, inflammatory effects and oxidative effects.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The inventions also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features. 

1.-11. (canceled)
 12. An isoflavone compound or analogue thereof of the general formula I:

in which Z is chosen from hydrogen and Za, Z_(A) is chosen from OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀, OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, CONR₃R₄, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, nitro, and halo, W is chosen from hydrogen, hydroxy, OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀, OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, C₁₋₆ alkyl, haloC₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, thio, C₁₋₆ alkylthio, amino, C₁₋₆ alkylamino, diC₁₋₆ alkylamino, nitro, and halo, X is chosen from O and S, Y is

R₁ and R₂ are independently hydrogen, hydroxy, OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀, OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, C₁₋₆ alkyl, haloC₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, thio, C₁₋₆ alkylthio, amino, C₁₋₆ alkylamino, diC₁₋₆ alkylamino, nitro, and halo, R₃ is chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, an amino acid, C(O)R₁₁ where R₁₁ is hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or an amino acid, or CO₂R₁₂ where R₁₂ is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, aryl, and arylalkyl, R₄ is chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, and aryl, or R₃ and R₄ taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached comprise pyrrolidinyl or piperidinyl, R₆ is chosen from hydrogen, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, amino, thio, COR₁₁, and CO₂R₁₂, R₇ is chosen from hydrogen, C(O)R₁₁, C₁₋₆ alkyl, haloC₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, or Si(R₁₃)₃ where each R₁₃ is independently hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, and aryl, R₉ is chosen from C₁₋₆ alkyl, haloC₁₋₆alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆alkyl, C(O)R₁₁, and Si(R₁₃)₃, R₁₀ is chosen from hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, haloC₁₋₆ alkyl, amino, aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, an amino acid, C₁₋₆ alkylamino, and diC₁₋₆ alkylamino, R₁₁ is chosen from hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, and an amino acid, R₁₂ is chosen from hydrogen, C₁₋₆ alkyl, haloC₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, and arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, R₁₄, R₁₅ and R₁₆ are independently chosen from hydrogen, hydroxy, OR₉, OC(O)R₁₀, OS(O)R₁₀, CHO, C(O)R₁₀, COOH, CO₂R₁₀, C₁₋₆ alkyl, haloC₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, arylC₁₋₆ alkyl, thio, C₁₋₆ alkylthio, amino, C₁₋₆ alkylamino, diC₁₋₆ alkylamino, nitro, and halo, and  aryl is chosen from phenyl and naphthyl, either of which is optionally substituted by one or more of C₁₋₄ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carbonyl, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₄ alkylcarbonyloxy and halo, and with the proviso that: when R₁ is hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid, R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or C(O)R_(A) Z is hydrogen, and W is hydrogen, then Y is not 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl; when R₁ is hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid, R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or C(O)R_(A), Z is hydrogen, and Y is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl, then W is not hydrogen; when R₁ is hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid, and Z is hydrogen, W is hydrogen, and Y is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl, then R₂ is not hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or C(O)R_(A), when R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or C(O)R_(A), Z is hydrogen, W is hydrogen, and Y is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl, then R₁ is not hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid; and when R₁ is hydroxy, or OC(O)R_(A) where R_(A) is alkyl or an amino acid, R₂ is hydrogen, hydroxy, OR_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or C(O)R_(A), W is hydrogen, and Y is 4-hydroxyphenyl or 4-alkylphenyl; then Z is not hydrogen.
 13. A compound according to claim 12 having the formula:


14. A therapeutic composition comprising one or more compounds selected from formula (I) as defined in claim 12 in association with one or more pharmaceutical carriers and/or excipients.
 15. A compound of formula (I) as defined in claim 12 for use in treatment, defense against, prophylaxis and or prevention of one or more therapeutic indications.
 16. Use of one or more compounds selected from formula (I) as defined in claim 12 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment, amelioration, defense against, prophylaxis and/or prevention of one or more therapeutic indications selected from coronary artery spasm; hypertension; inflammatory diseases.
 17. Use according to claim 16 wherein the inflammatory disease is inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. 